The Year Earth Changed

The Year We Changed, a poignant documentary series, delves into the profound and often overlooked consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world's natural environment. Director Alastair Fothergill, renowned for his work on the BBC's Blue Planet and Planet Earth series, masterfully weaves together previously unseen footage to reveal the extraordinary ways in which the temporary halt in human activities created an unexpected resurgence of wildlife and restored ecosystems. The narrative begins with a somber reflection on the devastating impact of the pandemic on human societies worldwide. As cities and towns across the globe went into lockdown, the sudden drop in human activity had a profound ripple effect, resulting in the near-silencing of industrial noises that had become an integral part of our everyday lives. The absence of planes, trains, and cars led to a reduction in air pollution, allowing for the gradual recovery of fragile ecosystems. One of the first and most striking examples examined in the series is the dramatic recovery of the skies. In the pre-pandemic era, the skies over major cities were often shrouded in a dirty haze of pollutants and particulate matter. However, as the lockdowns took hold, the skies began to clear, revealing majestic vistas and awe-inspiring sunsets. The series showcases aerial footage of this transformation, allowing viewers to witness firsthand the breathtaking return of the blue heavens. The documentary takes a deep dive into the stories of several key locations where the sudden reprieve of human activities led to remarkable changes. The first is Venice, Italy, where the lack of tourism allowed the city's famous canals to return to their former glory. The pristine waters, teeming with life, provided a striking contrast to the polluted state they were in just a few months prior. The once-bare trees lining the Grand Canal now sported vibrant blooms, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. This poignant scene sets the tone for the rest of the series, as we see numerous instances where the withdrawal of human presence has led to an unexpected resurgence of nature. The series explores various regions where conservation efforts had long been stymied by human activity. The island of Sri Lanka, for instance, saw the return of the rare Sri Lankan leopard, a species that had faced significant threats from poaching and habitat encroachment. Similarly, the mountainous regions of the US state of Colorado experienced a resurgence of the magnificent elk, whose populations had previously faced declining numbers due to habitat fragmentation and hunting. One of the most striking aspects of the documentary series is its use of scientific expertise to contextualize the transformation we see unfolding. Experts from various fields of study – ecology, biology, physics, and more – offer insight into the mechanisms driving these environmental transformations. They highlight how even the slightest perturbations in the natural world can cascade into far-reaching effects that alter ecosystems at large. As we continue through the series, we bear witness to the extraordinary feats of resilience and adaptation undertaken by the planet's inhabitants. From sea turtles, who find an abundance of food in newly restored ocean ecosystems, to migratory birds, who benefit from the renewed habitats created by retreating human development, it becomes clear that the natural world is incredibly adept at healing itself when given the chance. Ultimately, The Year We Changed serves as a poignant reminder that, even in the most seemingly irrepressible era, there lies a hidden resilience within our planet. It challenges the viewer to consider the intricate web of relationships between humans and nature and encourages us to strive towards creating a more harmonious coexistence with our environment. Throughout the documentary series, the viewer is left to ponder the significance of this newfound appreciation for our shared world and our role within it, sparking a renewed sense of responsibility and respect for the intricate ecosystem we are all a part of.